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WorkPro – the scheme that encourages employers to implement age-friendly policies – has returned with an enhanced model and an additional SG$66m in funding.

The Ministry Of Manpower (MOM) announced earlier this year that it would be extending a number of grants under the new WorkPro scheme beginning 1 July this year, after announcing that it would also raise the re-employment age to 67, as of 1 July 2017.

The new WorkPro scheme consists of the Age Management Grant (AMG) and the Job Redesign Grant (JRG) which will help employers to fund new initiatives that will benefit mature workers.

A total of SG$66m will be offered to progressive employers over three years under the two schemes.

For the Age Management Grant, up to SG$20,000 in funding will be provided to employers who adopt a greater number of workplace and hiring practices that directly benefit older workers.

This will support companies that wish to implement effective age management strategies and will help raise awareness of the types of practices available, according to the MOM.

The Job Redesign Grant will supply up to SG$300,000 to help employers create physically safer, easier and smarter jobs for employees aged 50 and over.

A new Job Redesign Rider has also been introduced for firms already supported by the Inclusive Growth Programme (IGP) or Capability Development Grant (CDG) – applications can be made for job redesign projects, provided the project benefits older workers.

Firms receiving the Rider will be funded up to 80% of the project costs not covered by the IGP or CDG.

To be eligible for all WorkPro schemes, companies must be legally registered or incorporated in Singapore and cannot have received funding through the first edition of WorkPro (April 2013 to 30 June 2016).